It’s Not a Dog’s Job to Know How to Interact with Your Kids

Why It’s Our Responsibility to Teach Children How to Respect and Understand Dogs

At Jordan Dog Training, we believe some of the most beautiful relationships in life are those between dogs and children. They can grow together, learn from each other, and create memories that last a lifetime. But that kind of bond doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through guidance, boundaries, and compassion on both sides.

One of the most dangerous and common myths we encounter is the idea that a “good dog” will automatically tolerate anything a child does. That if a dog is well-behaved, it will “just know” how to be gentle, patient, and forgiving — even when poked, startled, or smothered.

But here’s the truth:

It’s not a dog’s job to know how to interact with your kids. It’s your job to teach your kids how to interact with your dog.

This isn’t about blame — it’s about setting everyone up for success. Because when something goes wrong, it’s almost never the dog’s fault. It’s often a misunderstanding that could have been prevented with the right support, education, and awareness.

The Australian Context: Dog Bites and Children

Understanding the local data helps us approach this issue with clarity and compassion.

• 🐾 81% of dog bites to children in Queensland come from the family dog or a dog well known to the child.
• 🐾 70% of serious bite injuries to children aged 0–4 occur in the child’s own home or at a family member or friend’s house.

(Source: RSPCA Queensland, NSW Health – We Are Family campaign)

These statistics are not meant to create fear — they’re a call to action. Even well-loved, gentle dogs have limits. Dogs communicate discomfort in subtle ways that children often don’t understand — and those early warning signs are so frequently missed.

Why Young Children Are Particularly Vulnerable

Dogs don’t see children the way we do. Especially those under seven years old.

From a behavioural perspective, young kids move unpredictably, make sudden high-pitched noises, and often show affection by hugging, lying on, or grabbing. To a dog, that can be confusing — or even threatening. Many dogs interpret young children as similar to small animals like cats or puppies, especially if they haven’t grown up around kids.

They don’t inherently know that the child means no harm. They just feel uncomfortable. And like all of us, when they feel unsafe — they try to protect themselves.

Prevention Starts With Us: How to Keep Kids and Dogs Safe

Here are our most important guidelines for helping dogs and children coexist safely and happily:

✅ 1. Supervise — Always

Never leave dogs and young children alone together. Even if your dog is calm and loving, things can escalate in seconds. Supervision isn’t optional — it’s essential.

✅ 2. Teach the “5 Golden Rules” for Children

• Don’t approach a dog without asking.
• Don’t hug, sit on, or lie on dogs.
• Don’t touch dogs when they’re eating or sleeping.
• Let the dog walk away — no chasing.
• Use calm voices and gentle hands.

✅ 3. Give Dogs Their Own Safe Space

Dogs need a retreat — somewhere they can go where children don’t follow. A bed in a quiet room, a crate, or a gated area where they know they won’t be disturbed.

✅ 4. Learn to Read Dog Body Language

Yawning, lip licking, turning away, tensing, or showing the whites of their eyes (called “whale eye”) are all signs of stress or discomfort. Teach your children to recognise these signs and respond with space and respect.

✅ 5. Make Time for Positive, Calm Bonding

Reading to the dog, feeding treats calmly, and participating in training games with adult support all help build mutual trust — safely and positively.

Working Together to Keep Families Safe

At Jordan Dog Training, we work closely with Brisbane’s leading veterinary clinics to deliver behaviourally sound, vet-supported guidance to families. Our classes are run in safe, indoor environments — often at vet practices themselves — to ensure the health and wellbeing of both people and dogs.

We’re committed to being part of the bigger picture:

Helping more families understand what dogs are telling us, long before they feel they need to shout.

A Personal Note from Justin, Founder of Jordan Dog Training

“From the time I could walk, I felt drawn to dogs. I didn’t just like them — I needed to be around them. If we visited someone who had a dog, I wouldn’t be inside with the adults — I’d be out in the yard with the dog. That’s where I was happiest. The family usually wouldn’t see me again until it was time to go home.

I was also — quite literally — one of those statistics.

I absolutely adored my Aunty Vianney’s Dachshund, Spargle. He was small, stubborn, and full of character. I loved him with all my heart. And I’m sure Spargle loved me too — but I didn’t know how to read what he was trying to tell me.

One day, I went to pat him while he was eating. He gave me a warning. I didn’t understand it. He warned me again. I still didn’t know. I persisted… and I got bitten.

That wasn’t Spargle’s fault. It was mine.

No one blamed the dog. In fact, I got in trouble — for disturbing him while he was having his dinner. But I never stopped loving Spargle. That experience taught me something that’s stayed with me ever since — about boundaries, about respect, and about the importance of truly listening to what dogs are trying to tell us.

I didn’t know it then, but that moment would shape my life. Helping people understand dogs… helping dogs live better lives through education… that became more than just something I cared about — it became my purpose.

These days, it’s grown into something much bigger. At Jordan Dog Training, we don’t just help guardians — we teach and empower others to become dog trainers and behaviour educators themselves. We’ve built an incredible team who share our mission, and we’re always looking for more of the right people to join us — people who genuinely care and want to make a difference.

Because in the end, real dog training? It’s about people.

And the more people we can teach, the more dogs we can help.

My aunty Vianney — Spargle’s guardian — has always believed in me. She’s been one of my biggest supporters, from the very beginning. I know she’d be proud to see how Spargle’s lesson helped grow a lifelong mission that’s now touched thousands of dogs and families.

I still think of Spargle often. He wasn’t just a bite story. He was my first teacher.

And I’ll always be grateful.”

Final Thoughts

Dogs and children can absolutely share joyful, respectful lives together — but not without help. It’s our job as the adults to guide those interactions, teach those lessons, and listen when our dogs speak — even if it’s just a yawn, a turn of the head, or a quiet plea for space.

Every child deserves to grow up understanding dogs. Every dog deserves to feel safe around the people they live with. And together, we can make that a reality.

If you’d like help teaching your dog, your kids — or even yourself — we’re always here, ready to support you.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have concerns about your dog’s behaviour around children, please speak with your vet or a qualified behaviourist for personalised support.